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Kanab Zipline

Ziplining is a very popular activity that can be done in many places around the world. Zipline adventures take riders on the journey of a lifetime high above the ground. Ziplines usually begin at a high location, such as a man-made platform or a cliff, and riders are strapped into a harness that connects to the zipline. From staggering heights, they speed down the zipline at up to forty miles per hour. These zipline adventures are a truly unforgettable experience.

In the Kanab area, a zipline tour with Kanab Zipline is the best way to see this gorgeous area. Not only will guests get to see the amazing scenery from a unique vantage point, they will also be treated to a thrilling adventure. Whether ziplining for the adventure, the view, or both, guests will never forget their time with Kanab Zipline.

The Kanab Zipline Course The course at Kanab Zipline is the largest one in the area. This amazing course consists of four different ziplines that guests will get to enjoy in a two-and-a-half-hour-long trip. The Kanab Zipline course combines ziplining, sightseeing, and off-roading in a fun and exciting way that no other activity near Kanab can compete with. A 4×4 vehicle will take riders from the Kanab Zipline building to the first platform of the course, also called base camp. This off-road adventure is a wonderful way to begin this exciting and adventurous journey. The first run of the zipline course is a massive 1,100 feet long. It takes riders over a deep canyon at a high rate of speed. The platform for this zipline run is at an elevation of 5,280 feet. At that height, guests will be able to see for miles as they feel their stomach drop as they prepare to plummet down the run. The second run of the course is shorter, at four hundred feet, but it has an extra feature that makes it very exciting. This run is a double run, which means riders will get to speed down the run side by side. They will be able to enjoy the views of the desert together and race to the landing platform. No matter who wins the zipline race, this run will be an unforgettable one. The third run is four hundred feet, as well. This gives riders a quick experience across a beautiful desert valley. Riders will take in the amazing view as they prepare for their final run of the course. The fourth and final run of the Kanab Zipline course is another double run. This gives riders another chance to experience a ride together and race to the final stop of the course. This 650-foot-long run takes riders over a beautiful mountain ridge and ends very close to the location of the initial starting point. Riders will feel a sense of accomplishment as they unhook their harness for the final time and look back on the amazing trip they just took.

Important Ziplining Information While a zipline adventure is action packed and full of exciting moments, it is important to remember that ziplining can be dangerous if the rules are not followed throughout the whole trip. Before heading to the course, riders will be informed about the rules for a safe ride and be given information about having a safe, fun, and enjoyable trip. While most of this information will be gone over with the professionals, there are a few things that riders will want to know before booking their trip. The age limit of zipline rides is a minimum of eight years old. Children under the age of eight at the time of the ziplining adventure will not be permitted to participate in any part of the ride. The weight limit for riders is between 70 and 270 pounds. Those who do not fall between this weight range will not be allowed on the course for their own safety. All riders are required to wear fully enclosed and sturdy footwear. Anyone wearing sandals, clogs, or flip flops will not be permitted on any part of the course.Enjoy High Flying Fun Traveling to new areas often leaves people feeling like they would like to get the most out of their experiences. A zipline tour with Kanab Zipline is a guaranteed way for visitors to experience something new, create lasting memories, and challenge themselves to get outside their comfort zone. Visitors will find themselves coming back to the Kanab area year after year to experience Kanab Zipline again. No visit to the Kanab area is complete without a ride along the incredible zipline course at Kanab Zipline.

Looking for a little more excitement and solitude? Trying to escape the tourists and crowds? You may be interested in taking a backpacking journey through Bryce Canyon’s captivating backcountry! The backcountry in Bryce Canyon is quite a beautiful experience and a hidden gem. Not many people take the opportunity to get out and away from the more popular tourist destinations or hiking spots due to lack of knowledge of the area. Luckily Bryce Canyon’s park service has made this a little easier and offers maps and more for those who are interested in purchasing a backcountry permit to explore the area better. There are two main backcountry trails, Riggs Spring Loop and Under The Rim Trail. The most sought after however is Under The Rim Trail due to it’s intensity and length.

Bryce Backcountry Information

There is a backcountry fee os $5 per persons ages 16+.

Permits must be purchased for all overnight stays.

Advance reservations are not accepted, only 48 hours before and must be made at the visitor center.

There are four backcountry trails that are broken down from Under The Rim Trail and total about 30.1 miles all together.

Bryce Point – Swamp Canyon (11.6 mi.)

Swamp Canyon – Whiteman (3.6 mi.)

Whiteman – Augua Canyon (7.0 mi.)

Augua Canyon – Rainbow Point (7.9 mi)

You can choose to hike the entire distance and bring along with you the proper backpacking supplies, or simply use one of the segmented trails as a day hike. However, you will not quite get the same experience as if you were to take on the entire Under The Rim Trail. As stated above not many people know of, or dare to explore this entire length of backcountry and therefore miss out on the spectacular beauty and sights that it offers. On the plus side though, for those who do decide to explore the entire trail, it is much less crowded and offers a lot more to explore and be seen. Luckily you can make this hike as long or short as you desire, as each trail that is segmented offers a separate access trail to the and from the main highway.

Preparation

If you are planning a backpacking trip, then one of the most important things you will need to do, is prepare you mind and body for the excursion. This is not something that you can simply just jump into as a beginner and expect to conquer. Backpacking in backcountry is rigorous and very strenuous. Not only can it be hard on your body, but it can be mentally challenging as well. You will want as much practice and preparation as possible before you take on a long backpacking trip. Here are some tips to follow beforehand:

Condition your body for the trip

Let friends and family know your itinerary and when you plan to be back

Plan ahead of time for any possible emergencies

Take weekend/over night camp trips in isolated places

Practice using all your gear and emergency equipment

Break in your hiking boots

Practice backcountry etiquette

Learn to dig a cathole

Camping

The Under The Rim Trail is Bryce Canyon’s longest backpacking trail in the park, and it will take hikers through 8 total campsites on their way from one end to the other. You are allowed to only camp in the designated areas, and make sure to leave no trace of your visit. Campsites are first come first serve.

Pack List

When exploring the backcountry of Bryce Canyon, there are certain things that you will need to be able to not only survive, but to be able to make the trip and fun and comfortable as possible. More than often, people will find themselves out in the wilderness and realize they have forgotten something they should have brought, or worse they are in a sticky situation and do not have the proper equipment and gear to help them. It is so important to make sure that you have all the proper necessities before going into the backcountry. Here is a list of the main things you will want to pack on your trip:

Backpack

This is going to be your best friend and your enemy on a backpacking trip. It is important that you find a backpack that is right for you and fits your body well. The reason this will be both your saving grace and your enemy, is because it will carry most if not all of your necessities, all while being carried on your back. So you really want to make sure you choose the best suitable pack for your trip.

Gear

The second most important thing to pack is your gear. You want to make sure that you take the right equipment to match your needs for your trip. The following are going to be the most important:

Navigation

Backcountry can be fairly easy to get lost in, although Bryce’s backcountry trails are slightly more maintained it can still get pretty rough and you will want some sort of navigation to find your way from one point to the next. GPS, Maps, etc. will be very helpful when hiking in the backcountry of Bryce Canyon.

Appropriate Attire

When hiking the backcountry in Bryce, you will want to make sure that you check the weather report ahead of time. Depending on the time of year and weather conditions, you will want to wear the appropriate attire accordingly.

Fall – Winter

October to January are the more chilly months of the year, temperatures during this time range from 15F-50F depending on the time of day time of year. December tends to be the most cold month out of the year and snowfall in common here. During these times, it is important to wear warmer clothing. Wool socks, heavy winter coats, long johns, gloves, hat, face protection. Make sure that the attire you bring for this time of year will protect you from the elements.

Spring – Summer

February to September are considered the spring through summer months. During the early spring time it can still get fairly cold, especially at night, so be sure to wear or bring extra layers of clothing that can be easily added or removed depending on the weather an temperatures. During id summer, you will want to wear cooler clothes but still protect your skin from sunburns, bug bites, etc. To do this it’d best to bring with you some bug spray as well as sunblock. The purpose of the right attire is to protect yourself from the elements of nature in this area.

Appropriate Shoes

This may seem like one of those “common sense” things, however, you would be surprised to hear that many people do not wear the appropriate footwear for hiking backcountry in Bryce. This is very important to avoid several things including but not limited to; sprained ankles, blisters, poor grip and more. It’s important to wear a shoe with a good grip for scaling obstacles or rock formations, it is also highly recommended to wear shoes that cover your entire foot. Some prefer to wear hiking sandals, which is not a bad choice for those who are more experience hikers. Although more comfortable, it is much ore likely to get sunburns on your feet, stubbed toes and much more when you choose to wear sandals. Hiking boots are your best bet and the most common, comfortable and safe show to wear while hiking backcountry.

Above anything else, Bryce Canyon has the most stunning night skies you will ever see in Utah. Due to the lack of light pollution, you can see the stars clearer than ever here. Nothing beats a starry night in Bryce Canyon.

I don’t know about you guys, but this is a pretty exciting day, and even more exciting weekend ahead! Today marks the NPS’s (National Parks Service’s) 100 YEAR BIRTHDAY! What an amazing job they have done in protecting the places we all love most.

On August 25th 1916 President Woodrow signed The Act of March 1, 1872 which created the National Parks Service. This act started with Yellowstone National Park when congress established it as a “public park or pleasuring-ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people” and placed it “under exclusive control of the Secretary of the Interior.” This movement sparked one of the most important environmental movements to date. The national park movement began and today more than 100 NATIONS contain 1,200 national parks or alike preserved areas. Once the National Parks Service was established on this very day 100 years ago, the department was made responsible for protecting and preserving 35 national parks and monuments.

Why Do We Need NPS?

I mean… In my opinion people can be pretty careless, especially when it comes to our land and environment. The NPS helps to preserve some of the most stunning, fragile, sometimes dangerous and amazing places in the world! Without them there could be a potential chance of these parks getting destroyed by carelessness. Littering, fires, development and more are all being avoided by having the National Parks Service there to keep these lovely places preserved for our enjoyment. They help keep the parks clean and the people safe.

So in honor of the National Parks Service’s 100th Birthday, starting today August 25th – August 28th at all the National Parks there will be a FEE FREE ENTRANCE. So get out there and enjoy this beautiful land!

“The National Park Service turns 100 years old in 2016 and we want everyone to join the party! On 16 days in ’16, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone.” – https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htm

Located about 51 miles away from Bryce and about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Capitol Reef, Slot Canyons Inn sits between the two National Parks on one of the most scenic highways in the US, Highway 12. Slot Canyons Inn is located in part of what many consider the most beautiful landscapes of the United States. With The Grand Staircase, Escalante in its backyard, this is truly one of the most stunning locations for a getaway and adventure.

What To Expect When You Book With Slot Canyons Inn

There are several different options for rooms with comfortable bedding and furniture. The rooms are designed with a southwest country flare, with a hint of luxury. Looking for a little more privacy? Ask about the Isaac Riddle Cabin, set upon the hillside with a spectacular view of the Escalante river. The location of the Inn is 5 miles west of the town of Escalante, and sits at the mouth of a canyon. There is fresh stream water that flows from the canyon and a view that will capture you. When you stay at Slot Canyons Inn, you will have the opportunity for a new, thrilling and captivating adventure each and every day you are with them. There is something new for you to explore in each and every direction and you will never see the same things twice. This land is absolutely breathtaking and was made to be explored.

Food

North Creek Grill is the The Slot Canyons Inn’s restaurant. Offering up some amazing food, spectacular views and an unbeatable relaxing atmosphere. The owners and chefs Adam and Kristine Rex are one of a kind, friendly and caring caterers. They use only the freshest local ingredients and raise their own beef. This is the spot to be when it comes to dining in Escalante.

Grand Staircase

This magnificent and vast piece of land was named a National Monument in 1996. The Grand Staircase is actually a striking ever-changing mass of land that stretches along scenic highway 12, and is made up of some of the most sought after National Parks in the US. The Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef and Aquarius Plateu all contribute to this amazing monument.

Photo Credit: power slave on flickr

Slot Canyons

In Escalante and the Grand Staircase, you will find yourself in awe as you explore and make your way through natures rock carvings, also known as Slot Canyons. These canyons are made by rare, but heavy rainfalls and high mountain snow melt. The silt rock does not absorb the water well, so gravity pulls the water down and as it runs through the canyons it carves them into twisted, narrow and stunning works of art. These masterpieces are something that everyone should experience and should be appreciated by all!

Activities

When staying at Slot Canyons Inn, you will be given several different options for daily itineraries. From a day of adventuring around Grand Staircase to horseback riding and slot canyon exploration. There are endless adventures that await you when you visit Escalante and Slot Canyons Inn.

Special Deals For Bryce Canyon

Check out the exclusive offers (you really won’t find these ANYWHERE else!) and get the deals that will make your fill your trip without emptying your wallet. Check out the exclusive offers (you really won’t find these ANYWHERE else!) and get the deals that will make your fill your trip without emptying your wallet. Check out the exclusive offers (you really won’t find these ANYWHERE else!) and get the deals that will make your fill your trip without emptying your wallet.

Wildlife In Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon is known for its incredible geology and sweeping vistas, but equally impressive are the plants and animals that make the uplifted plateaus of Utah such a unique environment. Surrounded by deserts, these highlands get much more rain than the lowlands below and stay cooler during hot summers. The relatively lush ecosystems that result are like fertile islands towering above a vast arid landscape.

Mammals

To see animals of the Bryce Canyon Area, Click Here!

What is a mammal? Webster’s Dictionary defines a mammal as…”any of a class of higher vertebrates comprising man and all other animals that nourish their young with milk secreted by the mammary glands and have the skin usually more or less covered with hair.”

What mammals can be seen in Bryce Canyon National Park? We have chipmunks, squirrels, prairie dogs, mountain lions, pronghorn sheep, coyotes, gray foxes, bats, mice, and many more animals classified as mammals.

Birds

The three most common birds found in the park are the Peregrine Falcon, California Condor and the Clark’s Nutcracker.

Insects

Ants are some of the most fascinating creatures on the planet. Something like ten thousand trillion ants control vast stretches of territory on planet earth. Their success lies in cooperation. They are a social insect, living in often enormous colonies, coordinating their activities to an exceptional degree to achieve domination.

These are aggressive and capable critters, ones whose existence is characterized by continuous work and conflict. In many places they are the dominate insect, and usually displace solitary insects (those that live and forage alone and not in social groups) to less favorable habitat or eat them.

Trees – Conifers

What are conifers?…The name “conifer” is derived from the Latin word which means “to bear cones.” Cones, the fruiting body which produces the seeds of the tree, are common features of most conifers, with the exception of junipers and yews which produce berry-like fruit.

How do I identify a conifer?…The best way is to look at the leaves. Does the tree have linear, needle-like or scale-like leaves? Conifers are usually evergreens although they still shed their older foliage on various annual cycles. The larch and cypress are deciduous, shedding their leaves annually in the fall.

Are there many conifer species (types)?…More than 500 conifer species have been identified worldwide.

Do all conifers look about the same? Are they the same size and color?…Among the conifers can be found some of the largest, smallest and oldest living woody plants known to mankind. There is an astounding amount of diversity in the conifer world. Some conifers grow into huge forests which are harvested for their timber and others are admired for their adaptability and color variations for the household garden. Overall, they vary in textures from soft and fluffy to rigid or majestic. The wide range of greens, blues and golden yellows paint a colorful landscape wherever conifers grow.

What are the names of the different conifers found in Bryce Canyon National Park?…In the Park you can find pines, junipers, firs, spruces, cedars and Douglas fir.

Ecology

Biological soil crusts, or more commonly called Cryptobiotic soil or Cryptogamic soil, occur on every continent and in nearly every environment. However, they are most commonly found in arid or desert environments. In the high deserts of the Colorado plateau (i.e. the Four Corners region), biological soil crusts can cover up to 70-80% of the ground cover.

Health & Safety

Every time you go to a National Park, you probably hear the same thing: “Don’t feed the animals.” Why do we say that? What harm could a pretzel or apple slice do to a deer or a chipmunk? Too often, it is not an apple slice, but salted peanuts or chips whose high sodium content is poisonous to an animal’s system. Those kinds of food are not healthy for people, how much less for an animal whose diet is supposed to consist of berries, flowers, and insects? Also, the animals become dependent on people as a food source and lose their ability to successfully forage when they have been raised begging for human food.

Although human food can and does harm the animals for a variety of reasons, the reason we ask you not to feed them is for the safety of humans as much as of the animals. In Bryce Canyon, there are two major hazards to humans associated with feeding the animals, specifically ground squirrels, chipmunks, and prairie dogs. First, the animals frequently bite people when they are hand feeding them, or especially when they try to touch the animal without food in their hand. Hantavirus is a disease which has received considerable publicity in southern Utah because several people have died from it recently. One of the ways it is transmitted is through the infected animal’s saliva–by being bitten. It is also transmitted by inhaling or touching dust in which infected animals have urinated or defecated, as the virus is viable in that matter for about three days. Since that dust could be on the animal’s fur, touching the animal is another potential way to obtain the disease. Currently there is no cure for Hantavirus, but if extreme flu like symptoms develop after association with these animals, contact a physician for the available treatment.

Rabies is another disease which is transmitted through an animal bite, which many more animals than just small rodents could carry. Beware of any ringtail cat, rodents, foxes, or other animals who appear extremely sluggish or have strange secretions from their mouth or eyes. Report any abnormal behavior to a ranger.

Secondly, there is a threat of disease to people who are obeying the rules and not feeding the animals when other people have fed them. Bubonic Plague, or as some know it, the Black Plague, has been known to infect our prairie dog population from time to time. A type of flea that lives on small rodents (i.e. prairie dogs, ground squirrels, chipmunks) transmits this disease. When people have fed the animals and taught them that people are their food source, that it is all right to crawl on a person’s leg because they will be rewarded with food, those people might actually be responsible for killing another person down the road. It is common for people to be mobbed by ground squirrels hoping to be fed when they go to a view point, even if the person has no intention of feeding them. If those animals have the fleas infected with Bubonic Plague, the fleas could potentially jump on the person and give them the disease. Fortunately, Bubonic Plague can be cured if caught soon enough, but it is a painful experience.

Even with the potential for all these diseases, you can still come to Bryce Canyon and enjoy a safe visit. The old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” should be remembered. You can prevent coming in contact with diseases if you do not feed or touch the animals, and make sure that your children stay away from them also. If the animals approach you begging for food, simply ignore them, or chase them off if they get too close. Remember, the animals would never beg for people food if people did not teach them to. So please do your part to ensure the health of the animals, yourself, and other visitors down the road by not feeding the animals.

Activities For Kids In Bryce Canyon

Just for Kids programs every day at 3:00pm in the park. Games and Activities designed Just For Kids to learn about the cultural or natural history or Bryce Canyon National Park. Have an adult sign you up at the Visitor Center because spaces are limited and it fills up fast.

Even though the activities are designed especially for our young visitors, we do require one adult to remain with their respective kids.

Junior Ranger Program

Games and activities designed for kids to learn about Bryce Canyon ecology independently.

Each potential Junior Ranger is required to do workbook activities, attend a ranger guided program,and collect a bag of litter inside the park.

Once the kids have completed these requirements, they can return to the Visitor Center and receive a Junior Ranger badge, patch and a certificate certifying their status as a Bryce Canyon Junior Ranger.

Junior Rangers are young people who:

Care about Bryce Canyon and all the national parks

Help to keep our national parks clean

Show respect for nature

Learn as much as they can about plants, animals, history and planet Earth.

May become national park rangers one day!

Join a ranger for games and activities about ecology and Bryce Canyon, designed especially for you. These special programs last one hour and are for KIDS ONLY!

Reservations are required to come to these way cool programs so have Mom or Dad sign you up at the Visitor Center when you first get to the park.

Throughout the summer Rangers will be testing different activities in the Geodetectives program. Ask at the information desk to find out if you are there on the lucky day.

Winter Activities In Bryce Canyon

Looking for some winter fun in Bryce Canyon? Ruby’s Inn has a wide variety of winter activities. Visit Ruby’s Inn Winter Activities page for a full list.

In winter this high plateau offers the most reliable snow and longest season in the southwest United States. Its hills and valleys provide the ultimate in diverse terrain and scenic beauty.

Bryce Canyon National Park and the surrounding areas are often forgotten about during the winter months. This is actually one of the best times of year to several things including photography, Snowmobiling, Cross Country Skiing, Ice Skating, and Ice Fishing. There is a long list of very exciting and enjoyable activities that take place all winter long in the City of Bryce.

With the Paunsuagunt Plateau reaching up to 9,000 feet (2,800 m) the average snowfall is around 200”s. This gives way to Great Snowmobiling and other winter activities. There is a lot of open snow covered ground, groomed trails just outside of the Bryce Canyon National Park gate, to where you can take off on Skis, Snowshoes or snowmobiles.

Ruby’s Inn Ice Skating is another great winter activity to think about when visiting Bryce Canyon in the winter months. Their skating ring (in the City of Bryce) is maintained for guests and people visiting the area. It is always a great time with the family and fun activity in the outdoors. Where its one of your past times or you have never been on skates everyone is welcome to give it a try!

Ice Fishing is another great opportunity to get out and enjoy the beauty of Bryce and the surrounding areas. There are many lakes close by that give opportunity for great ice fishing including; Panguitch Lake, Otter Creek, Tropic Reservoir, and many more. These lake are generally stalked all spring summer and fall with different kinds of trout.

Half Marathon In Bryce Canyon

Do you or anyone you know want a good run? Then give this race a thought, the Bryce Canyon Half Marathon! If you are into competing in marathons or even just an avid runner, why not do it in one of the worlds most beautiful settings, Bryce Canyon? This half marathon could just give you more great reason to head to Bryce Canyon this year to see the park!

This great half marathon takes place July 12, 2014, and is in the prime time of year to be in the Bryce Canyon area. With all of the great summer weather, the things to explore see and do, why not add this to the list this summer? If the incentive of the marathon, or the beauty of this area is not enough, maybe the $3,000.00 in cash and prizes will bring you here. The cash and prizes will be awarded and divided up between the top 5 male and female runners of the event. To register, please follow this link: Register

Where Does The Bryce Canyon Marathon Start?

It starts at the Famous Ruby’s Inn, just off Highway 63 (Utah), in Bryce at 6: 00 am MST… This course starts at Ruby’s Inn and continues North to the main highway, where runners will take a right turn (heading East) onto Highway 12. As runners follow Hwy 12 east they will enter into Bryce Canyon while descending down into the town of Tropic Utah. All along the route people will see the diversities of this world famous geological wonder. On the route, runners will be able to see some of the most famous and scenic parts of Bryce just off the Mosey Caves trailhead. Keep in mind those who run it will be running through the route where tourists come from all around the world to see these same views.

Once runners have made it through the drop 1,800 feet into the valley floor below, they will see many rolling farms and valleys heading into Tropic, Utah. Once in Tropic they will continue on Hwy 12 until they get to Cannonville, Utah. The Bryce Canyon Marathon starts at 7,652 feet of elevation and descends 1,852 feet in elevation to 5,800 ft. in Cannonville. With average daytime July temperatures at 78 degrees, you could not ask for more ideal temps.

See what people are saying about the Bryce Canyon Half Marathon: www.yelp.com

Alternatives to the Bryce Canyon Half Marathon

If you are not interested in the Bryce Canyon Half Marathon, there is also a 5k run/walk and a Color Me Fun Run. These two options are a lighter, but a fun way to get out and have a great time in the Bryce Canyon area. The 5k run or walk is a good option for those who want to compete for cash and prizes and are looking for a shorter distance route.

Color Me Fun Run is on July 11th 2014 and it starts at 6:00 pm. This is a very easy walk, roll, push strollers, or run on only a 1 mile route. This race is based around supporting the Bryce Canyon Music Camp and all precedes benefit local musicians. Please remember that this is a fun event, and you will be blasted by colors from the bystanders. If you would like to participate but not enter, you can still throw the color on friends and family as they pass by for just $5.00.

For more information on the Bryce Canyon Marathon, the 5K Run and Walk, and the Color Me Fun Run click here: BCHM